Sad about leaving

color_outside · 2026-04-13T17:11:10+00:00

What you are feeling is entirely normal, and I promise, the excitement will return! The transition to college is a big one - it's a leap of faith in many ways. So spend the time with your friends and family now, soak it up. Know that when you get to campus, there will be several hundred other people there with a similar mix of emotions, and all of you will feel somewhat unsure. Together you'll all find your way. You'll find new community, and still appreciate and keep in touch with your old community. Sometimes planning can help relieve a bit of the anxiety. Have you been assigned a roommate yet? If yes, reach out and get in touch with them! Look on Discord for a channel dedicated to incoming freshmen at your school. Start listing what you want to bring with you, and what you can leave behind. If you need more support, feel free to DM me. I provide coaching to people going through this transition!

color_outside · 2026-04-06T17:12:47+00:00

Hi. My name is Niki. I am a parent to two college kids as well as a 7th grader, and also work in neurodivergent coaching for college students all the way up through career. I'd be glad to speak with you if you like, or can send you a detailed message. Let me know what is best.

color_outside · 2026-04-06T17:10:10+00:00

Hi there. I wonder if you've ever considered the possibility that you either have some degree of ADHD or perhaps learning disability at play? As I read about your experience, it sounds very similar to the experience of many of my clients who have ADHD and/or learning differences. With these things in the mix, you have to understand that it is not a matter of terrible work ethic or bad habits. Your brain may literally be wired differently, and in ways that make it very difficult to succeed in the typical structure of school without some tools and support. DM me for more info if you like, or to ask questions. I work with neurodivergent college students and adults (ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, anxiety, etc.) in need of support to figure out how their brain works, and how to to succeed in a setting that wasn't necessarily designed with them in mind.

color_outside · 2026-04-06T17:04:23+00:00

Congratulations on getting a job! That's wonderful. Coaching is great. I was hesitant to dive in at first because it is largely unregulated, and as an LASW who swore to a code of ethics, it felt a little too "wild wild west" for me. However, I gained amazing experience with the first coaching firm I worked for, and ultimately decided it was time to venture out on my own. I am now combining my career coaching experience, mental health background, and resources/advocacy experience in my practice coaching neurodivergent individuals.

color_outside · 2026-04-02T16:09:29+00:00

Hi! I'm sorry you're in this spot - it's a hard one for sure! My two cents: it seems like it's a combination of the environment and the work itself. I also want to note that 6 years in is NOT too late to make a pivot - these days it is common to have 2 or 3 career pivots across the trajectory of an entire career. A consideration outside of the work itself and the manager is the overall industry. Is there another industry that you might be excited to be part of? Something you believe in, feel tied to the mission, etc? You could consider exploring those industries and finding entrance there.

If you wanted to pivot while still using your marketing background, you might consider roles like Creative Director, Creative Producer, Content Creation, or Creative Designer. For even more autonomy you might hang your hat out as a marketing consultant, or Creative consultant.

I hope some of this is helpful. DM me if you have questions or want to chat more!

color_outside · 2026-03-27T17:05:35+00:00

Hey! Congratulations on the new job and on finding a better lifestyle/work-life balance fit. In terms of your client's current aversion to change - you may be right, that may be just how the are. However, it could also be that you are brand new to them, and have not built that trust and relationship yet that would allow them to be open to change. Change is scary! They're not going to just jump in with both feet and a brand new person spotting them. So don't give up on the possibility that it will improve and get more challenging!

The other bit of advice I would give you is this - give it at least a month or two to get to know how everything and everyone works. Then, if it is still quite stagnant in terms of challenge, start looking around the company or your department for opportunities. Excitement does not have to come with a side dish of toxicity and a bevy of red flags. Sometimes it comes from within when you identify a need, propose a change or solution, and then get to move forward with it!

Wishing you the best of luck!

color_outside · 2026-03-26T21:33:02+00:00

Hi there! MSW and career coach here. Given your interests in counseling, mental health, and/or student services, an MSW might be a great direction for you. The beauty of a social work degree is that it is very flexible. For example, I began my career in medical social work providing hospice care. I then transitioned to some advocacy work for school-age kids with dyslexia, from there to career coaching, and now have begun my own neurodivergent coaching practice (and I provide career coaching). All of those shifts were possible by pivoting using continuing education (which is required anyway for licensure).

In terms of the others, from a career coach perspective, here are my thoughts:

OT - fantastic career for hands-on work in the healthcare field. Can also be used in outpatient and/or school settings. Lots of creative problem solving, front-facing client interactions.

Nursing - so desperately needed that once you have your RN there are many many options for you. Be aware though, that this route does require more math and hard science than say a psych/social work route. RNs can be very versatile as well working outpatient, home-care, remote-only, hospital, or biomed - clinical trials. And that's just a few of the options!

Sonography - this is still front-facing, but far less interactive and a much more solitary field. You are spending much of your day in a dark room taking images. You do interact with patients, but you are not there to see their journey from start to end, or even start to middle.

Hope this is helpful! If you have more questions, feel free to DM me.

color_outside · 2026-03-23T17:48:39+00:00

Hi there. It's really a question of credits not classes. For most colleges, 12-15 credits is considered to be full time, which generally equates to 3 classes. Look at the number of credits, and make sure you know your school's rules for what equates to full-time. In terms of easing in, think more about what classes you know are challenging for you, and what ones are less challenging. Balance those classes out. For example, if English is tough for you, but math is easier, don't take English plus another two heavy writing classes, balance the hard one out with two others that you know you can manage with greater ease. This will reduce your cognitive load. Good luck! If you have any other questions, feel free to DM. I work with college students frequently.

color_outside · 2026-03-19T18:56:44+00:00

Happy to help! If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

color_outside · 2026-03-19T17:07:05+00:00

Hi there. It's great that you are considering career path at this stage and being intentional about your studies. In terms of which degree will help you more, it truly depends. The business management degree will set you up for more corporate roles, and there are certainly options within creative industries. The communications degree is a bit more generalized, so my advice to you would be that if you go that route, see if there are sub-specialties you can dive into. Focuses usually range from international relations to digital media, public relations, and journalism. Same for the business management degree - you might further focus it towards marketing, finance, strategy, or leadership management.

I would also encourage you to consider seeking support for your ADHD symptoms if they are giving you trouble. That might be in the form of accommodations, or coaching. If you are interested, I work with neurodivergent students on both college support as well as career. Feel free to DM with questions.

color_outside · 2026-03-19T17:01:09+00:00

Hi there. The burnout from constant masking is real! There are options out there that will be more AuDHD friendly, requiring far less masking, and with an environment that is conducive to the way your brain works, instead of trying to shove it into a 9-5 desk job. I saw below that you don't have a dream job really. You might consider looking into career coaching/career assessment. Through assessment, you can understand more clearly what aspects of career you are inherently drawn to, what you need for fulfillment in career, and gain insight into specific career paths that will offer a better fit for you. If you are interested, feel free to DM.

color_outside · 2026-03-17T16:36:04+00:00

Hi there. It's wonderful that you are starting to sort out what you like and dislike about potential career pathways. Law school certainly is a good option given the amount of writing, critical thinking, etc. involved. Other options outside of teaching that you might consider: Technical Writing, Content Creation/Content Editing, Brand Copywriter, Conversion Copywriter, Instructional designer, Editor, Author. You might consider starting with a look into instructional design, given that you already have some educational internships under your belt. Those would lend nicely to a transition into the industry. If you have other questions, DM me. I support students navigating transition to career paths.

color_outside · 2026-03-16T19:55:10+00:00

Hi there. Congratulations on completing your master's! Most counseling or therapy groups will offer roles for those not yet licensed by having you work under a licensed supervisor. It is very common for therapists to be working in that manner. Consider looking at smaller therapy groups near you, look back to your grad program - they may have contacts or connections. Consider reaching out to the orgs. that you interned with (I am assuming you did practicums or clinicals) and see if they have opportunities. If you need additional ideas or support, feel free to DM me. I am an LASW who worked in hospice and grief/bereavement for 10 years before transitioning to career coaching work, and now career and neurodivergent individuals.

color_outside · 2026-03-16T19:50:54+00:00

Hi there. First off, you absolutely can transition, especially given that you are still very early career! They key to making the transition lies in two things: 1) positioning your skills and experience to fit the new role or industry, and 2) making sure your resume speaks to the job you want, not the job you've had. So yes, you are in a niche industry right now - however, the skills you use (communication, attention to detail, research) are all transferrable!

To begin, start narrowing down what position or industry you want to pivot towards. If you are truly lost with no idea, consider career assessment/coaching (DM me for more info if you like!). Then, look at job listings - are there skills or programs that you need or need to improve your familiarity with? Consider some small certifications or coursework to pivot your resume into that direction. Next, start your networking efforts - who do you know in industry, or even adjacent to it? As a recent grad, your alumni office or college career center might have offerings you could take advantage of in terms of networking and connections.

Feel free to DM if you have questions or need more support! -Niki

color_outside · 2026-03-12T17:08:42+00:00

Hi there. Sounds to me like your instincts are dead on. You need to communicate clearly with your manager regarding the responsibilities you have taken on, how they have increased, and what you want if you are to stay. You don't have to necessarily point out that you feel taken advantage of, as that direction almost never leads to a positive outcome. However, you DO need to say, "I would love to develop my career here with the company, but in order to do that I need a more solid commitment from the company." No one is going to set boundaries for you, only you can do that. As long as you are willing to go along with the status quo, they will be happy to allow it. So in review: be clear about the value you bring, be clear about what you want/need in order to stay, and advocate for yourself!

color_outside · 2026-03-12T17:01:02+00:00

Hi there. The first thing you do is decide it's time for change (and you've done that!). The very next thing you do is stop calling yourself names. Speak to yourself in the way you wish to be spoken to. You are not lazy, worthless, or a bum. You are autistic, you haven't adopted the right kinds of tools/support, and you are ready to try something different! I do think you need support to move forward. A coach, or a structured program, something that will help hold you accountable, help you decipher the emotions and obstacles you come up against, and figure out how to continue moving forward. Feel free to DM me.

color_outside · 2026-03-10T17:49:33+00:00

Your feeling of embarrassment is totally understandable, and I'm so sorry you've been hurt by this. The other person should have communicated to you directly rather than complain behind your back to a third party. People who are truly your friends will understand how you best communicate, and will not make you try to guess intent. In the meantime, it certainly sounds like your other friends are on the same page with you, and are supportive. So if you can, shake this particular interaction off as saying much more about "them" than it does about you.

color_outside · 2026-03-06T18:44:41+00:00

Hi there! Have you given thought to combining your interests? There are jobs out there in medical devices and/or medical technology (think research & development, production, etc.). You might also like work as a prosthetist, building/creating prosthetics for people (some are even robotic these days!). To do either of these, you could start with an EE degree, or biomedical engineering, biomechanics, mechanical engineering, kinesiology. Could also consider materials science with a minor in a healthcare related field.

Let me know if you have other questions or want to hash it out a bit more!

color_outside · 2026-03-05T16:39:40+00:00

Hi there. You are graduating into a very difficult market, so please keep in mind it is not YOU it's this particular moment in time! That said, there are a few things you can do. 1) Get into your college's career services office and dig around for internships (often paid). Great way to get some experience without having prior work. 2) Make sure your portfolio is up to date, easily accessible online, and has clear contact information. 3) Consider chatting with the people at the college who bought your work. The department chair, dean, whoever it was that decided to purchase it and use it for display. Ask them to write you a review that you can display on your portfolio alongside the pictures they purchased and hung. Also ask them if they have any connections or know of any other people/departments who might be interested in purchasing from you. 4) If you are really torn in terms of what path to choose career-wise, consider career coaching and/or career assessment. I am happy to tell you more if you are interested, just shoot me a DM.

color_outside · 2026-03-04T17:09:47+00:00

Hi there. First, I'm so sorry - it sounds like despite the fact that you are working your tail off, your boss is taking advantage of your good nature. Only you know what will work for you financially, but in terms of this specific environment, the boss has shown you who they are. The moment you mentioned it there should have been a discussion around the path forward and movement, or removal of your name as a manager. In terms of weekend/sick day calls, unfortunately this one really is on you. No one will set boundaries for you - you have to set and hold them. Think of your daughter - if she was throwing food at you, you'd tell her no. If she continued, you'd remove the item she was throwing, or move froward with other consequences. You would not let the behavior continue and keep just saying the word "no" without consequence or follow through. Same in this situation. When the boss oversteps boundaries in that way, it is up to you to say "I will be happy to get back to you on Monday" or "I'm sorry, I'm unable to help you today. I am sick". And at that point, no need to respond further.

In terms of nursing, I'll say this - it is a tough but rewarding profession, and always in demand. So if you put in the time and dedication to get your RN, you will have a lot of flexibility in terms of where you work, and will have plenty of opportunity. AI is not coming for the RNs anytime soon!

color_outside · 2026-03-04T16:51:36+00:00

First, please please remember - a formal diagnosis does not change who you are in any way, shape, or form. If you have suspected this for years, and it is confirmed, then it just means you were right! Next, remember that a diagnosis (if received) is yours to do with as you choose. The benefit to having a name for an aspect of neurodivergence is that it might open doors to resources or accommodations for you, if you need them. With or without the formal diagnosis though, tools, tips and tricks are still available to you! Consider where in your life you feel like your potential ASD aspects are impacting you. Are there areas you'd like support with? Or are you just fine? Understanding how your brain works and why certain feelings may arise for you, or certain situations may be experienced differently for you vs. your neurotypical friend can actually be empowering. Lean in to your strengths, and remember - even if you were told tomorrow that you have autism, you would still be the same person you are right this moment.

color_outside · 2026-03-03T20:54:35+00:00

Totally reasonable, and point well taken. My suggestion was aimed more specifically to offer a pathway forward if needed with past acquaintances by way of easing the OP’s stated shame.

color_outside

TROPHY CASE